Pseudo-Einstein and Q-flat metrics with eigenvalue estimates on CR-hypersurfaces

Let $M^{2n-1}$ be the smooth boundary of a bounded strongly pseudo-convex domain $\Omega$ in a complete Stein manifold $V^{2n}$. Then (1) For $n \ge 3$, $M^{2n-1}$ admits a pseudo-Eistein metric; (2) For $n \ge 2$, $M^{2n-1}$ admits a Fefferman metric of zero CR Q-curvature; and (3) for a compact strictly pseudoconvex CR embeddable 3-manifold $M^3$, its CR Paneitz operator $P$ is a closed operator

Design and feasibility analysis of a novel auto hold system in hydrostatic transmission wheeled vehicle

Auto hold refers to vehicle’s function of automatic braking under shutdown condition and automatic relieving braking force when vehicle starts. This paper presents a concrete structure of the novel auto hold system of hydrostatic transmission wheeled vehicle, and deeply analyses the working mechanism and control method. To validate its feasibility, AMESim software is adopted to establish the simulation model of the auto hold system based on mathematical theories. By using the data of a certain comprehensive operation mode as input, the curve of braking force of the auto hold system is obtained through simulation. It can be known through analysis that the proposed auto hold system can realize rapid response and provides stable braking force under different road conditions. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed auto hold system is validated by comparing the simulation data with actual braking force required and the electronic vehicle parking technology. It turns out that the auto hold system can meet the requirements of all road conditions. Besides, it also can provide a fault tolerance range for real vehicle experiments, and it will not cause adverse impacts due to excessive parking brake force

Identification of Prognostic Genes and Gene Sets for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Bi-Level Selection Methods

In contrast to feature selection and gene set analysis, bi-level selection is a process of selecting not only important gene sets but also important genes within those gene sets. Depending on the order of selections, a bi-level selection method can be classified into three categories – forward selection, which first selects relevant gene sets followed by the selection of relevant individual genes; backward selection which takes the reversed order; and simultaneous selection, which performs the two tasks simultaneously usually with the aids of a penalized regression model. To test the existence of subtype-specific prognostic genes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we had previously proposed the Cox-filter method that examines the association between patients’ survival time after diagnosis with one specific gene, the disease subtypes, and their interaction terms. In this study, we further extend it to carry out forward and backward bi-level selection. Using simulations and a NSCLC application, we demonstrate that the forward selection outperforms the backward selection and other relevant algorithms in our setting. Both proposed methods are readily understandable and interpretable. Therefore, they represent useful tools for the researchers who are interested in exploring the prognostic value of gene expression data for specific subtypes or stages of a disease

JNK1 activation predicts the prognostic outcome of the human hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with an extremely poor prognosis. The classification of HCC based on the molecular signature is not well-established. RESULTS: In the present study, we reported HCC signature genes based on the JNK1 activation status in 31 HCC specimens relative to the matched distal noncancerous liver tissue from 31 patients. The HCCs with high JNK1 (H-JNK1) and low JNK1 (L-JNK1) were sub-grouped. Two different signature gene sets for both H-JNK1 and L-JNK1 HCC were identified through gene expression profiling. A striking overlap of signature genes was observed between the H-JNK1 HCC and the hepatoblastoma or hepatoblastoma-type HCC. Many established biomarkers for hepatic progenitor cells were over-expressed in H-JNK1 HCC, including AFP, TACSTD1, KRT19, KRT7, THY1, and PROM1. In addition, the majority of the most up-regulated genes were those associated with metastasis and earlier recurrence, whereas the genes for normal liver function were substantially down-regulated in H-JNK1 HCC tissue. A Kaplan-Meier plot demonstrated that the survival of the patients with H-JNK1 HCC was severely impaired. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, we believe that the H-JNK1 HCC may originate from hepatic progenitor cells and is associated with poorer prognosis. The status of JNK1 activation in HCC tissue, thus, might be a new biomarker for HCC prognosis and therapeutic targeting

High throughput quantitative reverse transcription PCR assays revealing over‐expression of cancer testis antigen genes in multiple myeloma stem cell‐like side population cells

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/108270/1/bjh12951.pd

The next widespread bamboo flowering poses a massive risk to the giant panda

The IUCN Red List has downgraded several species from “endangered” to “vulnerable” that still have largely unknown extinction risks. We consider one of those downgraded species, the giant panda, a bamboo specialist. Massive bamboo flowering could be a natural disaster for giant pandas. Using scenario analysis, we explored possible impacts of the next bamboo flowering in the Qinling and Minshan Mountains that are home to most giant pandas. Our results showed that the Qinling Mountains could experience large-scale bamboo flowering leading to a high risk of widespread food shortages for the giant pandas by 2020. The Minshan Mountains could similarly experience a large-scale bamboo flowering with a high risk for giant pandas between 2020 and 2030 without suitable alternative habitat in the surrounding areas. These scenarios highlight thus-far unforeseen dangers of conserving giant pandas in a fragmented habitat. We recommend advance measures to protect giant panda from severe population crashes when flowering happens. This study also suggests the need to anticipate and manage long-term risks to other downgraded species